Why Journalism Matters

Journalism in flux

Journalism is undergoing massive change and many traditional news organisations are in a huge state of flux. Some have argued that public interest journalism itself is under threat as the model that previously sustained it begins to crumble.

"As the economic foundations of news publishers
come under great pressure, especially in local and regional markets,
there's an imminent danger that large parts of the UK
will be left without professionally verified sources of information."

Digital Britain, Final Report, June 2009

What is 'Why Journalism Matters'?

The Media Standards Trust is hosting a series of keynote lectures: Why Journalism Matters.

They are intended to make the intellectual case for journalism in a democracy, and to stimulate broader public debate about the importance of recognising and promoting journalism.

The lecture series opened at the British Academy in July 2009, with lectures from Lionel Barber (editor of the Financial Times) and Alan Rusbridger (editor of The Guardian).

You can read more about the thinking behind the series on Martin Moore's blog, and read and watch the lectures below.